washington. >> reporter: the national rifle association faced the media for the first time since the deadly school shooting in connecticut. >> now we must speak for the safety of our nation's children. >> reporter: soon after nra's ceo wayne lapierre started speaking, a protestor held up a sign. after the demonstrator was removed, lapierre said gun control is not the answer. >> the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. >> reporter: the nra is addressing the media here in washington under pressure to soften its stance on gun control. members of the public and the president are pushing for new restrictions on gun sales of a gun control petition on the white house website has received more than 400,000 signatures. >> we hear you. >> reporter: the president acknowledged the outpouring of support and he once again called on congress to pass new legislation. >> there's even one thing we can do as a country to protect our children we have a responsibility to try. >> report